How to Install a Ceiling Fan : Fans are an excellent option to cool an environment and circulate the air. Step by step, how to install it safely.
When the heat hits, we look for a thousand ways to improve the comfort inside our home, trying not to exceed our energy consumption. Learn how to install a ceiling fan and take advantage of this excellent alternative to refresh an environment without altering your electricity bills too much.
The temperatures in the summer are intense, and the air conditioning of the home or a workspace has become increasingly necessary. The problem is that the resources are generally expensive.
That’s why installing a ceiling fan can make things simple for you and alleviate heavy days without spending a fortune. Plus, you can do it yourself because it’s easy and only takes a couple of hours.
How to Install a Ceiling Fan Step by Step
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There are more and more models and designs. Today, a ceiling fan can be a strictly functional solution or a super cute decoration and lighting element.
The way to install it varies depending on the configuration of the space where you want to place it. Here, the step-by-step installation to solve it without calling an electrician.
First of all, you have to check that there is an electrical installation available:
- If you want to install a ceiling fan in a room that already has an electrical outlet (known as a ceiling spout), installing a ceiling fan is similar to plugging in any light fixture.
- If the room does not have an upper outlet, you will have to take current from the nearest box. To get to the ceiling, you will have to run the cables through the wall and ceiling. The simplest way (i.e. without breaking) is to do an outdoor installation and cover the wires with a cable channel.
- Once this point is resolved, we must consider the height of the room’s ceiling where we will install it, trying to give it the appropriate size so that it is not too low. If that happens, it can cause not only annoyances but also dangers when travelling underneath. The key is to regulate the length of the pole from which the fan will hang.
- The most common ceiling fan design includes a round spout bar, about 8 inches long by about 1 inch in diameter, from which the fixture hangs. Note that hanging bar fixtures generally have an adjustable cap that allows fans to install sloped ceilings.
- Once the power supply issue is resolved and the type and size of the fan are defined, it is time to begin the appliance installation tasks. The first and most important thing is to disconnect the power to the house from the main board.
- If there is another device in the ceiling opening, which can be a light fixture or another fan, the next step is to remove it. To do this, remove the screws that hold it one by one and then, holding it with one hand, disconnect the cables from the existing electrical installation.
- Now you have to observe the type of wiring that reaches that mouth. It is essential that you use cables of the same section and not smaller or larger.
- Next, you need to loosen and separate the screws from the ceiling electrical connection box. Once this is done, you have to strip the end of the wires with wire strippers, connect the screws with an excellent fixation to the chest and properly fasten it to the slab, joist or rafter of the sloping ceiling.
- Now take the suspension bar and pass the electrical cables of the fan inside it. Next, place the bar on the engine, tightening it with the nut that comes with it until it is secure.
- Take the fan (which should not yet have the blades on) to the bar and connect the electrical cables of the fan with those of your home installation. Check their polarity before making the connection.
- Lastly, firmly attach the fan and fan motor to the bar. To complete the job, you will need to screw the blades to the motor. With this step, you should already have the installation ready to enjoy the fresh air.
How to Install a Ceiling Fan with Light
If you want to solve the installation of a ceiling fan with a luminaire, the procedure will not be very different from that described above.
The wiring for the lighting fixture will follow the rules similar to those for the fan wiring.
The important thing is to join the neutral, positive and grounding cables and fix them with connectors and electrical tape to avoid short circuits.
How to install a remote controlled ceiling fan
If you want to colour a modern remote controlled ceiling fan and operate it without even getting out of your chair or bed to turn it on, you should make a small change to the procedure.
You have to connect the cables of the home electrical installation to the remote frequency receiver before continuing with the wiring, as we have been explaining.
How to install the ceiling fan speed control
To have precise control over the intensity in your ceiling fan, the correct thing is that, when installing it, you do it by placing a speed regulator in the wall box where the power key goes.
Keep in mind that lighting dimmers do not have the necessary features or power to use ceiling fans. Therefore, it is best to use a specific regulator to handle the load on the fan motors.
When purchasing the fan, you can also buy a voltage regulator switch with its corresponding front plate.
To install the r controller, I followed these steps:
- Of course, the first thing is to disconnect the power of the house from the mainboard.
- Next, remove the wall switch and look at the wires. Identify the polarities and verify that there is also a ground wire screwed to a top external terminal. Trim the ends and peel off some of the insulating plastic to expose the excellent copper.
- Connect the new cables from the speed controller you purchased to the ones from the home installation.
- Present the switch and plate in place. To do this, first, check that the cables fit snugly inside the switch housing and tighten the two screws that hold the switch in place.
- It only remains that you turn on the fan and check that the regulator works correctly.